Business
ASPiRE TV starts off 2014 with four new episodes of its original weekly series “THE ROOT 100”
(Black PR Wire) – Atlanta – Hosted by Emmy®-winning television journalist and CNN Anchor Suzanne Malveaux and featuring interviews by Political Strategist/Writer/Commentator Jamal Simmons, ASPiRE Tv’s original weekly series THE ROOT 100 (i.e. #TheRoot100) returns in 2014 with new episodes, beginning on Wednesday, January 8 at 8 p.m. EST.
Based on online news and commentary site The Root’s (TheRoot.com) 4th annual list of 100 of the most influential African American innovators of the next generation (age 25-45), THE ROOT 100’s second season further explores the lives and groundbreaking accomplishments of 24 of these dynamic men and women. January 8th’s new episode spotlights “The Expressionists”: Professor Brittney Cooper, Pastor Touré Roberts, and actress Condola Rashad. Subsequent episodes through January 29 will focus on “The Political Advocates,” “Breaking The Mold” and “The Inspirers.”
The 4 new episodes will feature:
THE EXPRESSIONISTS – AIRS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 8 P.M. EST – In this episode, feminist Brittney Cooper, Pastor Touré Roberts, and actress Condola Rashad share their inspirational work and how they have touched so many with their powerful and entertaining messages of strength and love. These honorees give us the freedom to entertain new ideas about age-old beliefs and inspire us to answer our own true calling.
THE POLITICAL ADVOCATES – AIRS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 8 P.M. EST – Rashad Robinson, executive director of Color of Change, Binta Niambi Brown, fundraiser and attorney and Ben Jealous, former CEO of the NAACP, discuss the politics behind their fight for equality and efforts to effect global change. These 3 honorees give everyone a brighter outlook for the future as they lead the charge through political minefields in the fight for human rights.
BREAKING THE MOLD – AIRS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 8 P.M. EST – Laura Weidman Powers, co-founder and executive director of the nonprofit Code2040, Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the White House initiative on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and socio-political comedian W. Kamau Bell discuss how their extraordinary work is motivating others to exceed expectations by breaking down stereotypes. Their revolutionary work breaks the mold of how we address racial bias and disparities in America.
THE INSPIRERS – AIRS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 8 P.M. EST – SEASON FINALE – Rachel Brooks, digital producer and co-founder of “Citizen Made,” Reverend Raphael Warnock, pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church and Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code discuss their remarkable work that pushes beyond the limits of tradition and inspires us all to dream. They reveal the creative and often unconventional methods they use to motivate others to explore their potential and succeed.
Each one-hour episode features profiles of 3 honorees, woven together by common themes, including community, faith, politics, arts, entertainment, sports, business, technology, science and health. In revealing conversations, each honoree discusses intimate moments, turning points in their lives and their aspirations to affect change. Through these inspirational stories, the series provides insight into what it really takes to pursue one’s passion and achieve success with meaning and purpose.
About ASPiRE: ASPiRE is a television network targeted to African Americans and celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of our past, our now and our next.
ASPiRE offers a diverse programming mix of movies, series and specials featuring music, comedy, drama, faith/inspiration, theater/performing arts, lifestyle and news/information. The network was launched June 27, 2012 by Magic Johnson Enterprises, which acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners and fosters community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. ASPiRE is available in more than 16 million homes in 21 of the top 25 African American markets including New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC. through Comcast and Time Warner. For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/aspireTV and on Twitter @tvaspire.
About Magic Johnson Enterprises: Magic Johnson Enterprises acts as a catalyst for driving unparalleled business results for its partners and fosters community/economic empowerment by making available high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of ethnically diverse urban communities. For more information, visit http://magicjohnson.com/enterprises.
About The Root: The Root is the premier news, opinion and culture site for African American influencers. Founded in 2008, under the leadership of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., The Root provides smart, timely coverage of breaking news, thought-provoking commentary and gives voice to a changing, more diverse America. The Root is a subsidiary of The Slate Group which is owned by The Washington Post Company. For more information visit www.theroot.com, on Twitter @TheRoot247 and on Facebook.